Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) scores the winning goal against Arizona Coyotes goaltender Jonas Johansson (31) during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.
Published Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 | 9:42 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 | 11:24 p.m.
When training camp opened two weeks ago, William Karlsson was asked to describe his new linemates.
"They're good," said the Golden Knights' center. "Little Reilly and Little Marchy."
It's the first time since Year 1 that Karlsson has gone into training camp without Reilly Smith or Jonathan Marchessault. Now on the third line, Karlsson has had to adapt with Brett Howden and Michael Amadio.
The case can be made that Karlsson's line has been the most consistent in camp — outside of the top line with Jack Eichel and the second line with Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone. With most of the veterans getting the night off Tuesday, Karlsson's line made the impact in a 4-3 preseason win over the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena.
Karlsson broke a tie with 1:58 remaining with a wrist shot just below the right circle, 17 seconds after the Coyotes scored a 6-on-4 power-play goal to tie it. Karlsson's goal was assisted by Amadio, one of his three primary setups on the night.
"I think it’s been working pretty well," Karlsson said on the chemistry. "Once we get possession in the o-zone, I think we’ve made some good plays."
Coach Bruce Cassidy has tried new combinations from the get-go, and with two games left and a few practices in-between before the Golden Knights open the season next Tuesday in Los Angeles, the trio of Karlsson, Howden and Amadio appears to be something that sticks.
Level of competition needs to be taken into account when evaluating, but the line has been efficient in the offensive zone. Karlsson's game-winner was his second goal of the preseason after Vegas forced a turnover in the neutral zone, with Amadio chipping Karlsson the puck down the right side.
"Kind of just figuring out where everyone is going to be off that first touch in the o-zone," Amadio said. "I think I like the chemistry we’re getting so far."
A move to the third line seemed like a demotion for Karlsson, who has not been the same player production-wise since his 43-goal campaign in the inaugural season. His points have slowly dipped and the past two years saw his offensive production take a dive playing under Pete DeBoer with 39 and 35 points, respectively.
Karlsson's defensive game has long been his strength, making him a valuable player in Cassidy's eyes. If Karlsson can impose that 200-foot game mindset into his wingers, Cassidy said, the Golden Knights will have found that balance in the top nine they've been longing for.
Cassidy mentioned Monday he would prefer to roll four lines and give each group adequate playing time, but he said after the game that the fourth line centered by Nic Roy isn't where it needs to be in terms of being a shutdown, checking line.
The fourth line is still without one of its constants in William Carrier, who has dealt with a midbody injury since the first preseason game in Colorado. But that group allowed seven scoring chances while generating three on Tuesday. Cassidy said that increased role might find its way to Karlsson, Amadio and Howden.
"Maybe that becomes Karly’s line," Cassidy said. "We still have a couple of games to figure that out but that, to me, is something we have to figure out."
As individuals, all three players have something to prove. Amadio had the best year of his career last season after being claimed off waivers by Vegas. He had 11 goals in just 53 games and also earned a bump up the lineup (mostly because of injuries to Smith) playing with Marchessault and Karlsson.
Howden reached 20 points for just the second time in his career last season and was on his way to a career-high before sustaining a season-ending upper-body injury that required him to be stretchered off.
"I think we're slowly starting to adapt to it very well," Howden said back in the early stages of camp. "I'm excited, ready, and willing to take on any role that's given to me. I want to build off the confidence from last season."
Karlsson still has the ability to be an impact player. The acquisition of Eichel and the development of Stephenson have made Karlsson the odd man out. But Cassidy believes in Karlsson to get back to what he does best.
"He's a quiet guy. When you talk to him, very smart, cerebral," Cassidy said. "He’s one of the hardest working guys on the ice every day. I have zero complaints with how he conducts himself as a pro."
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
